--- title: "Nissan Patented This Cool Overland Conversion for the Frontier Pickup Truck" description: "Nissan recently filed a new patent that would turn the Frontier pickup truck into an overlanding vehicle, with a midgate passthrough." date: "2024-01-21" modified: "2024-01-21" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/nissan-patented-this-cool-overland-conversion-for-the-frontier-pickup-truck" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" tags: - "Frontier" - "Nissan" - "pickup" --- # Nissan Patented This Cool Overland Conversion for the Frontier Pickup Truck ![]() *Nissan, Andrew Collins* Nissan just patented what could be a massive conversion kit for the [Frontier]() pickup, one that clearly takes inspiration from both the Jeep Wrangler and Chevy Avalanche. With this conversion, the [Nissan]() Frontier would get a removable roof, a cargo box with removable panels, and even a bed-to-cab passthrough. Tim Esterdahl from *[Pickup Truck + SUV Talk ]()*spotted this 18-page patent that would turn the Frontier into an open-air overlanding pickup. It seems that the Frontier's cab would have some sort of soft-top panel, which either folds back or is removable, to provide a Wrangler-like open roof. Though, unlike the Wrangler, the doors don't seem to be removable. Behind the cab would be a rigid bed cap that would have soft removable panels on top and the sides. And in between the bed and the cab, there would be a passthrough, allowing either passengers or gear to freely move back and forth between the cab and the bed, not unlike the [Chevy Avalanche](). However, unlike the Avalanche, Nissan's patented passthrough doesn't require folding the rear seats down or unlatching a large midgate. Instead, there's just a small cover, which is held on with two simple latches. A watertight rubber seal sits in between the cab and the bed, to keep the passthrough sealed but still allow for the flex inherent in body-on-frame pickups. ![]() **Nissan | USPTO** With all of the panels removed and the passthrough open, passengers would have an incredibly airy environment, one that would be well-suited for overlanding duty. It would also make the Frontier incredibly unique among pickups in its class. Is Nissan actually going to offer this overlanding kit as an option for Frontiers? It looks like it would require significant modification to the cab's roof and rear bulkhead, so it would surprise me if Nissan actually were to actually offer this conversion for existing Frontiers. Or is Nissan making a special edition Frontier with these features? That seems more likely and would be incredibly cool. It's also possible that this is just an idea Nissan patented that goes unused, as automakers regularly patent ideas for potential future use and then never do anything with them. However, I do hope this makes it to production in one form or another because it's a cool idea that would make the Frontier unique in the world of small pickups. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()